Interview: Nigerian-American Singer, Model and Philanthropist, Meaku Talks About His Love For Music & Fashion

Chibuike Franklyn Omeaku, better known as Meaku, is a Nigerian American Pop/R&B Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Model, Humanitarian, and Philanthropist. Meaku was born November 28, 1987, to Cyriacus Omeaku Sr. and Margaret Ngozi Omeaku, long with his 3 brothers.

Meaku who is on a mission to make beautiful music positively impacting the hearts and lives of his audience around the world through the mantra of ‘Love is Real.’ Enriched with a wide range of musical influences, he draws inspiration from the likes of musical greats such as Michael Jackson and Phil Collins to Justin Timberlake, and Daft Punk.

He has collaborated with Grammy Award winning and Billboard Charted artists such as L.V. and Eric Bellinger. His mixtape “Feel My World”(2013), that garnered over 150,000 downloads, featuring his hit single “Her Body”, which charted at #48 on the Independent Charts, solidified him as an artist with immense star potential both collaboratively and independently.

He also featured on Nigerian Superstar ‘StormRex’s’ Hit Single “American Boy”(2014) and wrote Canadian Superstar ‘Karl Wolf’s’ Single “Toronto Love” (ALBUM went #1 on iTunes 2015) proving the multi-talented Los Angeles based artist’s musical talents as capable of reaching audiences around the world. Having a strong following that stretches beyond the United States, Meaku became one of the top focal artists for the newly popular musical genre and movement “RnBass.” He uses his influence to steer him upward as an ambassador for charities and corporations thus being one of the faces for Cooper 9 Clothing Inc. and Ateliers Arthur. Meaku’s highly anticipated album, “The African” is scheduled for release in late 2015.

Checkout our exclusive interview with him below.

Hey Meaku! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Chibuike ‘Meaku’ Omeaku, I’m a Universal Music Group Distributed Singer/ Songwriter/ Producer/ Engineer/ Actor/ Model, in partnership with AfroGold Entertainment, and Network Showbiz LLC. I was born and raised in Inglewood, Califonia. Both of my parents are IGBO (Nigerian) from Imo State, Urualla to be exact. I own a Recording studio in LA, where I record, mix, and master my own music, as well as various artists. I’m a single father, I have a daughter who is 8 years old, and she is my life.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
First thing I do in the Morning is pray, thanking our Heavenly Father for this new day, committing my entire day into his hands. Weekdays, I drop my daughter off at school, then head to the gym to workout. After working out, I then proceed to get my business day started, heading to the studio to work on whichever project I’m working on at that moment. Some days vary depending on projects, but I work very hard at allocating my time and energy to all of my businesses making sure I get every task complete. I use Saturday’s and Sunday’s as days of reflection and prayer.

How did you get into music?
I got into music years ago as a writer, when I was working as a TSA officer at the airport, and a friend linked me with Warner Bros. Publishing, where I was writing for major American Artists.

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about musicians?
Most people say it’s difficult for artists to settle down, but I simply believe that when a man finds that 1 special lady, then no other woman can compare.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started working in the industry?
Just seeing how bitter, selfish, and disrespectful people can be.

Which artists and producers have you worked with?
I’ve worked with Grammy Award Winning Artist LV, Tyrese, New Boyz, Cali Swag District, D’Banj, Nneka, Naeto C, Mi, Sound Sultan, eLDee, Banky W, Stormrex, Sinzu, 2 Kriss, Canadian Superstar Singer Karl Wolf, Eric Bellinger, Glasses Malone, and The Underdogs.

You also a music producer, what artists have you produced for?
New Boyz, Cali Swag District, Sinzu, 2 Kriss, Stormrex.

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
I worked on Karl Wolf’s project and co-wrote his single “Toronto Love” that went #1 on iTunes.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Wizkid, Davido, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, The Mavin’s, Phyno, Ice Prince, everyone if I can lol.

You a Nigerian artist based in the United States. How’s that working out for you?
I consider myself as an International Artist capable of making music that transcends to different genres. I am Nigerian indeed and American defaulted to birthplace. Being Nigerian-American works out great, because I’m able to make relative music that people can fall in love with because it comes from a real genuine place of experience and culture.

Any plans to visit Nigeria?
Yes indeed! Soon once I sort situations out with my team.

How would you describe your style?
My music is a tasteful blend of R&B, Pop, Afrobeat, so I would say RnBass meets Afrobeat.

What style genre appeals to you most?
R&B, I’m a singer enriched with soul, and passion.

What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been just blending styles that represent me as an individual, as well as artist.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?
My Cell Phones, Watch, Earrings, Rings, and Bible.

What are your favorite fashion trends?
I’m in to bright Shoes (In color and Style), so like patent leather, taylored wear & suits, just anything fly.

What is your favorite local dish?
I love Rice & Stew.

Do you listen to African music, if yes which songs are currently on your playlist?
Of Course, I love Wizkid’s song Ojuelegba, Davido ft. Uhuru- The Sound, Mavins- DoroBucci, Patoranking ft. Tiwa Savage- Girlie O, Eddie Kenzo- Sitya Loss, Sarkodie- Adonai, Ice Prince- Mutimina etc. I just love Afrobeat Sound.

Apart from music, what other projects are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working in Partnership with Hemdee Kiwanuka (son of Ugandan Superstar Singer, ‘Halima Namakula’), developing film, and reality TV shows, and selling them to major networks in the US. [Hemdee was the first Ugandan that ever featured on E! Entertainment Television (an American basic cable and satellite television channel), when he created created “Fame in The Family” with Jamaican-American music sensation “Sean Kingston”, and American rapper, actor, basketball player, entrepreneur and model Romeo Miller (son of Hip Hop Mogul Master P)]. I am also a Co-Founder of Direct African Network TV (DAN TV), based in Los Angeles, California, that is under development and currently looking for content to air on the network.

Also, I and Hemdee, facilitated the current collaboration between Ace Hood and Sarkodie.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
The only advice I have is stay prayed up in this world, be humble, you never know who you will encounter in life. Focus on your goals and accomplish them. Allow the Holy spirit to lead you, and never give up on your true dreams, they are yours for a reason. #LoveisReal

Where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years?
I see myself as one of the top Artists in the world, and one of the most elite moguls in the entertainment industry.